2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Recently, yield of zucchini increases rapidly in Japan. The major production method is in out-field, however as the cultivation term is relatively short, alternative cultivation methods are needed. Soilless culture for zucchini was studies recently, but not hydroponic culture. We investigate the possibility of this technique for zucchini fruit production.

We grew zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Greenport 2 go) plants in a glass greenhouse from March to June on 2016 and 2017. Two of seedlings were grown in each container which contained 3 different concentration of hydroponic solution. At least 8 plants were grown for each treatment. We investigated the timing of cultivation, fruit size and fresh weight (yield).

Under 3 different conditions of hydroponic solution, the concentration at EC 1.2 had the highest yield, however, fruit yield tended to decrease at the end of cultivation due to the quality of flowers were decreased. These tendencies were observed on both experimental years. We further have to develop the technique to improve the quality and quantities of zucchini yields.